The Relaxometer: A Complete and Comprehensive Computer-Controlled Neuromuscular Transmission Measurement System Developed for Clinical Research on Muscle Relaxants

CJ Rowaan, RHG Vandenbrom, JMKH Wierda

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    33 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The Relaxometer is a computer-controlled system developed for reliable clinical experimental measurements on neuromuscular block. This system is based on an adapted personal computer (Atari 1040 ST) with a monochrome monitor (Atari SM 124), and a microcomputer-driven slave unit (stimulator). There are several stimulation patterns available: single twitch at 0. 1 and 1 Hz, single train-of-four, continuous train-of-four every 12 seconds, and tetanic stimulation at 50 Hz for 5 seconds followed by posttetanic count. The system is equipped with a temperature module for continuous monitoring of the skin / muscle temperature and a rechargeable battery to allow uninterrupted measurements if the apparatus is disconnected from the line power. All acquired data, computer-calculated parameters (onset time, duration time, recovery index, train-of-four ratio, tetanic fade, and posttetanic count), and the mechanomyogram are presented on screen continuously, are stored on floppy disk, and can be printed in a well-organized format.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)38-44
    Number of pages7
    JournalJournal of clinical monitoring
    Volume9
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jan-1993

    Keywords

    • EQUIPMENT, COMPUTER
    • MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES, NEUROMUSCULAR BLOCKADE
    • MONITORING, NEUROMUSCULAR TRANSMISSION
    • TWITCH TENSION
    • NITROUS-OXIDE
    • TEMPERATURE
    • ANESTHESIA
    • CONDUCTION
    • BLOCKADE
    • SKIN

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